Home office can be a pain in the neck
More New Zealanders are seeking help from chiropractors for health problems triggered by increased stress and working from home in poor conditions.
According to Statistics NZ, more than 40 per cent of employed Kiwis did at least some of their work from home during the Covid-19 lockdown and many have continued to do so.
But for some, the change has taken a toll on their health, the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association says.
Spokeswoman Dr Jenna Duehr said there had been a surge in demand for chiropractic care.
Issues include spinal complaints, posture, neurological issues and chronic pain.
‘‘But particularly with the heightened levels of mental health concerns being seen this year, chiropractors are taking care of more people with anxiety, sleeping difficulties and stressrelated disorders through their ability to assist the nervous system,’’ Duehr said.
A survey of the association’s members found stress-related disorders had increased, as well as symptoms linked to poor posture caused by working from home at desks, or even the dining table.
Overseas research points to similar trends. Health insurer Bupa found nearly two-thirds of workers in the UK experienced musculoskeletal problems as a result of working from home.
Chiropractors in the US also reported more than half of their patients (57 per cent) suffered musculoskeletal conditions because of lack of movement during the pandemic, followed by psychological stress (20 per cent) and poor posture (12 per cent).
Duehr said hybrid work patterns had developed as a result of the pandemic, with some employees working exclusively from home and others mixing remote work with on-site shifts.
‘‘We might win with a reduction in the stress of commuting and more time spent with family, but these do not come without a cost to other aspects of our mental health and physical wellbeing.’’
Chiropractor Dr Katie Putt, who has a practice in Mairangi Bay on Auckland’s North Shore, said many people had symptoms related to the stress of Covid-19 and from working from home.
‘‘In a way it’s been a great time to set up as a chiropractor as there is such a need for our services. At a time when people are dealing with significant stress and different health concerns, now more than ever we need to ensure the public has access to all health care services when they need it.’’